Date:
Local residents have a final opportunity to comment on proposed main modifications to the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) following the launch of an eight-week consultation today (18 September 2020).
The Site Allocations DPD is an important document that the Council has committed to prepare to enable the delivery of its Core Strategy, which was adopted in October 2012. The document identifies urban and Green Belt sites for future housing, employment and infrastructure within the Borough to ensure we meet our future development requirements.
The Council has also published a schedule of additional modifications that will be incorporated into the DPD to enhance its quality. These additional modifications are of an editorial or factual nature and are not being consulted on.
The Site Allocations DPD was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate during July 2019, following a comprehensive consultation process. Subsequently, a series of public examination hearings were held in December 2019 to determine whether the Site Allocations DPD was ‘sound’ and legally compliant.
At the request of the Inspector, the Council is now consulting on the main modifications to the DPD that might be necessary to make it ‘sound’ and legally compliant. The outcome of the consultation will be taken into account before the Inspector submits his report to Council.
Cllr Graham Cundy, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, said: “Following the public examination hearings late last year, the Planning Inspector has recommended a number of modifications to our Site Allocations DPD, which we are giving residents the opportunity to comment.
“We are specifically seeking local residents views only on the Inspector’s main modifications. The consultation is the final opportunity for residents to have their say on our Site Allocations DPD. Whilst I encourage everyone to respond, I would emphasise that the consultation only relates to the main modifications to the DPD and the accompanying documents, and not to any other aspects of the submitted DPD.
“Most importantly, the consultation does not represent an opportunity to raise other matters which were or could have been part of the earlier representations or the examination hearings of the DPD.”
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the Council is unable to host face-to-face meetings. Instead, online video Zoom sessions will take place, where officers will be available to answer questions. Sessions will be held on:
- Thursday 1 October, 1pm
- Tuesday 13 October, 6pm
- Wednesday 21 October, 4pm
Residents and interested parties wishing to attend an online session should email planning.policy@woking.gov.uk to register their interest. Log-in details to the Zoom meeting will be forwarded prior to the sessions commencing.
To view the proposed main modifications, please visit www.woking2027.info/allocations
The proposed main modifications to the Site Allocations DPD and its supporting documents are also available to view at Woking and Knaphill libraries. Please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk for the address and opening times of each library.
Residents wishing to submit their feedback to the proposed main Site Allocation DPD modifications can do so online at www.woking2027.info/allocations, by email to planning.policy@woking.gov.uk or in writing to Planning Policy Team, Woking Borough Council, Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking GU21 6YL.
All responses must be submitted before the consultation closes at 5pm, Monday 16 November 2020.
Residents that require a paper copy or a USB stick of documents, or further information or guidance about the Zoom meetings should contact Woking Borough Council’s Planning Policy Team on 01483 743871 or email planning.policy@woking.gov.uk